I've always found Frankie Boyle funny. Nothing he says shocks me, because I read internet humour, which is not for faint hearts and makes Frankie seem restrained.

However, I don't like Tramadol Nights: it's a pitiful failure. Two reasons, for me: 1) Terrible sketches that go on too long (and Frankie can't remotely act--no surprise considering the let-the-jokes-do-the-work stand-up delivery) 2: The pushing of the stand up into all "controversial" areas, and the adding of words like "c**t" wherever possible, which I'm not used to from his other TV appearances.

I do believe that Boyle is an excellent writer. His jokes have always been underpinned by craftsmanship. For example:

"Viagra is overrated. They reckon it takes half an hour to take effect. I often find that in that time the woman has usually managed to wriggle free."

Brief, nicely weighted.

But some of the jokes in Tramadol are more loosely written--maybe he had to stretch his material or rush the writing. The joke about Katie Price and her son disappointed me more for its lack of comedic logic (or may be I just don't get it) than for any offence it may have caused.

I've heard US comics say worse things on HBO specials and spark no outrage. I wonder what the cultural difference is. Are there less 'edgy' comics in the UK, so we're more sensitive when one pops up?

F**king hell that was weak.

I've never seen a comedy start so promisingly and fizzle out so comprehensively. I hope he gets a second series, but I hope he sticks to the standup. The sketches towards the end of the series were appallingly repetitive.

Quote: Kevin Murphy @ December 30 2010, 1:14 AM GMT

F**king hell that was weak.

I've never seen a comedy start so promisingly and fizzle out so comprehensively.

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Yep, I have to grudgingly agree. The sketches have been pretty woeful from episode 2 onwards (with the exception of the magnificent Cookie Monster).

The wholly unnecessary N-bombing of the last couple of episodes spoilt the otherwise excellent stand-up for me too.

Quote: Ben @ December 24 2010, 1:47 PM GMT

I've heard US comics say worse things on HBO specials and spark no outrage. I wonder what the cultural difference is. Are there less 'edgy' comics in the UK, so we're more sensitive when one pops up?

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That's a good point Ben, some of those US Comedy roasts are shocking, but no-one bats an eyelid. I assume it's because we're so politcally correct in the U.K. and the tabloids don't have much else to report on.